Deciding what to buy

Maintenance and ongoing effort

What you're likely responsible for, by property type, once you own it — and how to form a realistic picture before you buy.

Responsibility varies by property type

A house owner is generally responsible for every maintenance item on the property — roof, gutters, gardens, fencing, exterior — with no one to share the cost. An owners corporation typically covers building structure, common areas and shared systems (lifts, common gardens), funded by fees from every lot owner; your own lot's interior generally remains your responsibility either way. Exactly where the line falls depends on the specific plan of subdivision — see the owners corporations guide.

Building a realistic picture

Before buying, it's worth forming a realistic view of likely ongoing maintenance: the age and condition of major systems (roof, hot water, heating/cooling), whether a garden or pool adds ongoing effort and cost, and — for an owners corporation — whether the building's shared systems (lifts, facades, waterproofing) are ageing toward a major, expensive repair.

Practical checklist

Assessing likely maintenance

• Check the age and condition of major systems — roof, hot water, heating/cooling
• For an owners corporation, check whether shared systems are ageing toward a major repair
• Factor a genuine ongoing maintenance budget into your total cost of ownership

Want this as a checklist for your own purchase? Start free in the Delora app

Questions for a professional

• What major maintenance items would you expect this property to need in the next five years?

Official resources

• Consumer Affairs Victoria: buying property